String Theory: Will it Always be a TOENAIL?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the current status of string theory as a Theory of Everything (TOE) and whether it will ever expand to include a whole TOE. There is a mention of a new revolution being needed and string theory being similar to Bohr-Sommerfield quantization. The conversation also mentions the concept of a TOENAIL and the need for new insights in order for string theory to claim TOE status. The three main requirements for string theory to be considered a TOE are also mentioned.
  • #1
George Jones
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Right now string theory is just not a TOE, it's just a TOENAIL! :smile:

Will this always be so? Will string theory ever expand to include a whole TOE?

Personally, and from a position of ignorance, I take (the unoriginal) view that a new revolution is needed, and that string is something like Bohr-Sommerfield quantization. If this is true, then: 1) we're missing something big; this notwithstanding, string theory is worth studying.

Regards,
George

PS According to Warren Siegel, a TOENAIL is a Theory of Everything Not Appearing in Laboratories. Saw in this in a comment on Jo Anne JoAnne Hewett's interesesting blog posting, http://cosmicvariance.com/2005/11/18/a-particle-physicists-perspective/#comments", on Cosmic Variance. Dimitri Terryn makes a nice comment.
 
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  • #2
I think even dedicated string physicists suspect that their theory need some new insight to break out of the landscape blind alley. But their history is replete with new insights coming right out of left field, so I don't give up on them. In my optinion, what they have to do to claim TOE status is:


1) Get a real theory of gravity (background independent as well as graviton) with GR as a true low energy limit.

2) Get a real representation of known accelerator physics in some not too ugly low energy limit.

3) Hopefully show some unification of gravity and the other three forces.
 
  • #3


I cannot definitively say whether string theory will always be limited to just a TOENAIL or if it will eventually expand to encompass a full TOE. However, I can say that the search for a unified theory that explains all fundamental forces and particles is ongoing and string theory is one of the leading contenders in this pursuit.

While string theory may currently only be a TOENAIL, it has the potential to develop into a full TOE as our understanding and technology continue to advance. It is important to continue studying and exploring string theory, as it may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that even if string theory does not end up being the ultimate theory of everything, the research and discoveries made in the pursuit of it will undoubtedly lead to a deeper understanding of our world and the laws that govern it.

In conclusion, while it is impossible to say for certain whether string theory will always be limited to a TOENAIL, it is a valuable and worthwhile area of study that has the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the universe. Let us continue to explore and push the boundaries of our knowledge in the pursuit of a complete and unified theory.
 

1. What is String Theory?

String Theory is a theoretical framework in physics that attempts to explain the fundamental structure of the universe. It proposes that the building blocks of the universe are not particles, but tiny, vibrating strings.

2. How does String Theory relate to TOENAIL?

TOENAIL stands for "Theory Of Everything Not Actually Invented Yet." It is a term used to describe the idea that String Theory could potentially be the ultimate theory that unifies all of physics. However, this is still just a hypothesis and has not been proven.

3. Will String Theory always be referred to as TOENAIL?

No, String Theory may eventually be proven or disproven, and if it is proven, it may have a different name. TOENAIL is simply a term used to describe the idea that String Theory could be the ultimate theory.

4. How does String Theory differ from other theories?

String Theory differs from other theories, such as the Standard Model, because it attempts to combine the theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics. It also suggests that there are more than the four dimensions we experience in our everyday lives.

5. What evidence supports String Theory?

Currently, there is no direct evidence for String Theory. However, some of its predictions, such as the existence of extra dimensions, have yet to be disproven. Additionally, String Theory has provided possible solutions to some previously unexplained phenomena, such as black hole entropy.

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